Book recommendations - British makers

[rifletuner]

I have a moderate knowledge of the British rifle makers, but would like to do a deeper dive into the different makers, history, etc. Im interested in rifles, so anything that focusses on shotguns is not so relevant to me. Can people recommend any book titles / authors I should be looking for? I have done some searching and found a few bookes that look like they could be of interest. But it can be difficult to tell without actually being able to look at them before buying and since these books are generally not cheap, I really want to maximise how I spend my money on these books.

 

[Green Chile]

If you are interested in English single shot rifles (a HUGE subject), there is a fantastic 8 vol series by Wal Winfer. It is THE source for English single shot rifles of all types. These books are increasing in value also.

 

[mark-hunter]

- Holland and Holland the Royal Gunmaker: The complete history

- British sporting guns and rifles: in pursuit for epefection 1850 - 1900

- Boss and Company

- James Purdey and Sons, gun and rifle makers

All books by Donald Dallas.

I was buying these books when they were fresh prints, it was much cheaper then.
They cost a bit now - but totally worth it!

 

[Green Chile]

Any Donald Dallas book is good. He also has one on Alexander Henry with the full log book of serials and notes. Fantastic as I don’t think you can get factory letters at this time.

 

[rifletuner]

So basically anything by Donald Dallas. Thanks for the advise, though its going to cost me a lot of money

 

[Green Chile]

Or Winfer but still $. I have invested a lot in my library and use it a lot. I wouldn’t advise anyone to spend much on vintage guns without educating yourself.

 

[Tintin]

A few more suggestions

Rigby: A Grand Tradition

Hardcover 203-page detailing the history of Rigby, from origins in 18th century Dublin to 2011. Written by historians and Rigby enthusiasts Silvio Calabi, Steve Helsey and Roger G Sanger.

Rigby "A Grand Tradition" Book

The Rigby "A Grand Tradition" Book is a hardcover 203-page publication detailing the history of Rigby, from its origins in 18th century Dublin to 2011

johnrigbyandco.com.au

also

In Pursuit of the Best Gun: Westley Richards 1812-2012

In Pursuit of The Best Gun 1812-2012 - 2nd Edition | Westley Richards

Hardback book by Jeremy Musson celebrating 200 years of Westley Richards gunmaking. Over 400 colour images and rare archive material.

www.westleyrichards.com

both well priced for what they are.

Wal Winfer has authored 9 books on British single shot rfiles to date. There is some discussion of the possibility of a tenth.

Vol 9 covers

The Hinge Blocks
Sporting Martinis
Sniders
Sopers

 

[rifletuner]

A few more suggestions

Rigby: A Grand Tradition

Hardcover 203-page detailing the history of Rigby, from origins in 18th century Dublin to 2011. Written by historians and Rigby enthusiasts Silvio Calabi, Steve Helsey and Roger G Sanger.

Rigby "A Grand Tradition" Book

The Rigby "A Grand Tradition" Book is a hardcover 203-page publication detailing the history of Rigby, from its origins in 18th century Dublin to 2011

johnrigbyandco.com.au

also

In Pursuit of the Best Gun: Westley Richards 1812-2012

In Pursuit of The Best Gun 1812-2012 - 2nd Edition | Westley Richards

Hardback book by Jeremy Musson celebrating 200 years of Westley Richards gunmaking. Over 400 colour images and rare archive material.

www.westleyrichards.com

both well priced for what they are.

Wal Winfer has authored 9 books on British single shot rfiles to date. There is some discussion of the possibility of a tenth.

Vol 9 covers

The Hinge Blocks
Sporting Martinis
Sniders
Sopers

Thanks mate.

I actually have the Rigby book - one of the vey few I already have. I googled the WR book and found the best price is on the WR website. I will add it to my list